Computer cover

ABSTRACT

A cover for an electronic component has a frame with a wall disposed thereon so that the frame causes the wall to be substantially rigid. A first end-panel is substantially permanently or removably attached to the wall. A second end-panel can be one of removably attached to the wall opposite the first end-panel, substantially permanently attached to the wall opposite the first end-panel, or selectively removably attachable to the wall opposite the first end-panel to cover a front of the cabinet, when the electronic component is not being actively used by a user. The cover may extend to cover cables extending from the cabinet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to computers and in particularthe present invention relates to computer covers.

BACKGROUND

Covers are often disposed on computer monitor cabinets and/or centralprocessing unit (CPU) cabinets to protect these cabinets and theircontents from dust, beverage spills, etc. Some covers are disposed oncomputer monitor and/or CPU cabinets to make these cabinets moreesthetically pleasing. Many covers are form-fitting covers that conformto the general shape of the computer monitor and/or CPU cabinets.However, form-fitting covers typically do not cover the cables thatextend from computer monitor and CPU cabinets and, for example,interconnect the monitor and the CPU, connect the monitor and CPU to anelectrical outlet, connect the CPU to various peripherals (e.g.,printers, data networks, scanners, etc.), or the like.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art foralternative covers for computers.

SUMMARY

For one embodiment, the invention provides a cover for a cabinet of acomputer. The cover has a frame. A wall is disposed on the frame. Theframe causes the wall to bt substantially rigid. A first end-panel isone of substantially permanently or removably attached to the wall.

Further embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus ofvarying scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cover according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the cover of FIG. 1covering an electronics cabinet according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cover covering a centralprocessing unit cabinet according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a cover covering a computermonitor cabinet according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichis shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describesubstantially similar components throughout the several views. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilizedand structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cover 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. Cover 100 includes a wall 102disposed on a frame 108 so that the frame causes the wall to besubstantially rigid. Specifically, for one embodiment, wall 102 is of asubstantially pliant material and is stretched over frame 102 so thatframe 108 holds wall 102 taut. A portion of wall 102 is removed in FIG.1 to expose frame 108 for illustrative purposes. It will be appreciatedthat wall 102 extends to an end 110 of frame 108. For one embodiment,wall 102 is of a porous fabric (or mesh), such as a nylon-based fabric.For another embodiment, frame 108 is substantially rigid and, forexample, is of metal, such as steel or plastic, such as PVC, or thelike.

For various embodiments, when wall 102 is disposed on frame 108, wall102 includes a panel 112 connected between and substantiallyperpendicular to opposing panels 114 and 116. For one embodiment, panel112 forms a top of cover 100 and panels 114 and 116 form sides of cover100. For another embodiment, wall 102 is a single piece. For anotherembodiment, panels 112, 114, and 116 are individual pieces substantiallypermanently connected by sewing, or the like, or removably connected,for example, using hook-and-loop material, such as VELCRO. For someembodiments, cover 100 includes indicia 118, such as a decorativedesign, a company logo, etc. For one embodiment, indicia 118 are formedon a surface 119 of cover 100 by printing, silk-screening, sewing, etc.

For other embodiments, frame 108 includes rods 120 interconnected byconnectors 122. For another embodiment, rods 120 are removably connectedto connectors 122 to facilitate assembly or disassembly of frame 108 andthus cover 100. Rods 120 pass through loops 124 of wall 102 forremovably connecting frame 108 to wall 102. For one embodiment, a loop124 is continuous and spans approximately the length of the rod 120passing therethrough. For another embodiment, each loop 124 is formed bya strap substantially permanently attached to wall 102 by sewing, or thelike, or removably attached to wall 102, for example, usinghook-and-loop material, such as VELCRO. For some embodiments, cover 100has an opening 132 opposite panel 112, i.e., cover 100 is open at a base134 of frame 108.

For one embodiment, rods 120 are inserted into loops 124, or loops 124are formed around rods 124, to removably attach rods to wall 102. Then,rods 120 are removably interconnected using connectors 122.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating cover 100 covering anelectronics cabinet 200, such as a computer monitor cabinet, CPUcabinet, or the like. FIG. 2 shows that cover 100 includes an end-panel140. For one embodiment, end-panel 140 selectively opens and closescover 100 at an end 110 of frame 108. For another embodiment, end-panel140 is removably attached to panels 112, 114, and 116, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG. 3, a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, for example byhook-and-loop material, such as VELCRO. For another embodiment,end-panel 140 is substantially permanently attached to one of panels112, 114, and 116 by sewing, or the like, and removably attached to theother panels of panels 112, 114, and 116 by hook-and-loop material, suchas VELCRO, straps and buckles, or the like, such that end-panel 140 canselectively open and close cover 100 at end 110. For one embodiment,end-panel 140 is substantially permanently attached to panels 112, 114,and 116 by sewing, or the like. For another embodiment, end-panel 140includes openings 142, e.g., for providing access to buttons, disk-driveslots, etc. of electronics cabinet 200. For another embodiment,end-panel 140 is integral with panels 112, 114, and 116. For otherembodiments, end-panel 140 is of a porous fabric (or mesh).

For various embodiments, end-panel 140 is either substantiallypermanently attached or removably attached to wall 102 before coveringelectronics cabinet 200 with cover 100. In some embodiments, end-panel140 is removably attached to wall 102 after covering electronics cabinet200 with cover 100.

Cover 100 also may include an end-panel 144 located opposite end-panel140 at an end 146 of frame 108 that is opposite end 110. For oneembodiment, end-panel 144 is removably attached to panels 112, 114, and116, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example by hook-and-loop material,such as VELCRO. For another embodiment, end-panel 144 is substantiallypermanently: attached to one of panels 112, 114, and 116 by sewing, orthe like, and removably attached to the other panels of panels 112, 114,and 116 by hook-and-loop material, such as VELCRO, straps and buckles,or the like. For one embodiment, end-panel 144 is substantiallypermanently attached to panels 112, 114, and 116 by sewing, or the like.For another embodiment, end-panel 144 is integral with panels 112, 114,and 116. For other embodiments, end-panel 144 is of a porous fabric (ormesh).

For various embodiments, end-panel 144 is either substantiallypermanently attached or removably attached to wall 102 before coveringelectronics cabinet 200 with cover 100. In some embodiments, end-panel144 is removably attached to wall 102 after covering electronics cabinet200 with cover 100.

For another embodiment, there is an opening 148 between base 134 andend-panel 144. Opening 144 provides a lead-out for cables 150 thatextend from electronics cabinet 200. For one embodiment, opening 148 isformed in end-panel 144. When cover 100 covers electronics cabinet 200,a portion of the cover extends to cover cables 150, as shown FIG. 2. Asmentioned above, for some embodiments, frame 108 holds wall 102 of cover100 taut so that cover 100 is not form-fitting and cannot conform to thegeneral shape of electronics cabinet 200 when covering electronicscabinet 200. For one embodiment, end-panels 140 and 144 are of asubstantially pliant material and are stretched taut when respectivelyclosing cover 100 at ends 110 and 146. For other embodiments, thepliability of wall 102 and end-panels 140 and 144 enable wall 102 andend-panels 140 and 144 to be folded, e.g., for compact storage, whencover 100 is dissembled by disconnecting rods 120 from each other andremoving rods 120 from loops 124.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views respectively illustrating cover 100covering a CPU cabinet 400 and a computer monitor cabinet 500. Thedashed line in FIGS. 4 and 5 represents end-panel 140 selectivelyremovably attached to wall 102 for selctively closing cover 100 so as tocover a front 410 of CPU cabinet 400 in FIG. 4 when the CPU is notactively being used by a user or a front 510 of computer monitor cabinet500 in FIG. 5 when the computer monitor is not actively being used by auser. For some embodiments, when cover 100 is used to cover CPU cabinet400, for example, end-panel 140 covers front 410 of CPU cabinet 400during use and openings 142 in end-panel 140, shown in FIG. 2, are usedto provide access to CPU cabinet 400.

CONCLUSION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a cover for an electroniccomponent. For one embodiment, the cover has a frame with a walldisposed thereon so that the frame causes the wall to be substantiallyrigid. A first end-panel is substantially permanently or removablyattached to the wall. A second end-panel can be substantiallypermanently or removably attached to the wall opposite the firstend-panel. For another embodiment, the cover extends to cover cablesextending from the electronic component. This acts to hide the cables,which can be esthetically displeasing, and to protect the cables. Thecover acts to protect the electronic component from dust and acts tomake the electronic component more esthetically pleasing.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations ofthe invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.For example, the attachment of end panels 140 and 144 need not beoverlapping as shown, but may alternatively overlap the top and/orbottom of frame 108. Accordingly, this application is intended to coverany adaptations or variations of the invention. It is manifestlyintended that this invention be limited only by the following claims andequivalents thereof.

1. A cover for an electronic component, the cover comprising: a frame; awall disposed on the frame, wherein the frame causes the wall to besubstantially rigid; and a first end-panel that is one of substantiallypermanently or removably attached to the wall.
 2. The cover of claim 1,wherein the wall and the first end-panel are at least one of a porousand substantially pliant material.
 3. The cover of claim 1, and furthercomprising a second end-panel that is one of removably attached to thewall opposite the first end-panel, substantially permanently attached tothe wall opposite the first end-panel, or selectively removablyattachable to the wall opposite the first end-panel to close the cover,when the electronic component is not being actively used by a user. 4.The cover of claim 3, wherein the second end-panel is at least one of aporous and substantially pliant material.
 5. The cover of claim 1,wherein the cover extends to cover cables extending from the electroniccomponent.
 6. The cover of claim 1, and further comprising a lead-outfor the cables.
 7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the lead-out isdisposed between a base of the frame and the first end-panel.
 8. Thecover of claim 1, and further comprising indicia disposed on a surfaceof the cover.
 9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is open at abase of the frame.
 10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the wall isremovably connected to the frame.
 11. The cover of claim 1, wherein thefirst end-panel includes openings for accessing the electroniccomponent.
 12. A cover for an electronic component, the covercomprising: a frame; a wall disposed on the frame so that the frameholds the wall taut; a first end-panel that is one of substantiallypermanently or removably attached to the wall; and a second end-panelthat is one of removably attached to the wall opposite the firstend-panel; substantially permanently attached-to the wall opposite thefirst end-panel, or selectively removably attachable to the wallopposite the first end-panel to close the cover, when the electroniccomponent is not being actively used by a user; wherein the coverextends to cover cables extending from the electronic component.
 13. Thecover of claim 12, wherein the wall and first and second end-panels areat least one of a pliant and a porous material.
 14. The cover of claim12, wherein the second end-panel includes openings for accessing theelectronic component.
 15. A cover for an electronic component, the covercomprising: a frame having a plurality of removably interconnected rods;a wall removably connected to the frame, wherein the frame causes thewall to be substantially rigid; a first end-panel that is removablyattached to the wall; and a second end-panel that is one of removablyattached to the wall opposite the first end-panel, substantiallypermanently attached to the wall opposite the first end-panel, orselectively removably attachable to the wall opposite the firstend-panel to close the cover, when the electronic component is not beingactively used by a user; wherein the cover extends to cover cablesextending from the electronic component.
 16. The cover of claim 15,wherein the wall comprises a top panel connected between opposing sidepanels.
 17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the cover is open oppositethe top panel.
 18. The cover of claim 15, wherein the wall and first andsecond end-panels are at least one of a porous and pliant material. 19.The cover of claim 15, wherein the second end-panel includes openingsfor accessing the electronic component.
 20. A method for covering anelectronic component, the method comprising: disposing a wall on a frameso that the wall is substantially rigid; locating the electroniccomponent within the frame with the wall disposed thereon so that theelectronic component and cables extending from the electronic componentare covered by the wall; and attaching a first end-panel to the wall.21. The method of claim 20, wherein attaching the first end-panel to thewall comprises removably attaching the first end-panel to the wall. 22.The method of claim 20, and further comprising attaching a secondend-panel to the wall opposite the first end-panel.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein attaching the second end-panel to the wall comprisesremovably attaching the second end-panel to cover a portion of theelectronic component when the electronic component is not being activelyused by a user.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein removably attachingthe second end-panel to cover the portion of the electronic componentcomprises stretching the second end-panel taut.
 25. The method of claim20, and further comprising forming the frame by removablyinterconnecting rods of the frame.
 26. The method of claim 20, whereindisposing the wall on the frame comprises removably connecting the frameto the wall.
 27. The method of claim 20, wherein disposing the wall onthe frame so that the wall is substantially rigid comprises stretchingthe wall over the frame so that the wall is taught.
 28. The method ofclaim 20, and further comprising forming a lead-out for the cablesbetween the first end-panel and a base of the frame.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, and further comprising passing the cables through thelead-out.
 30. The method of claim 20, and further comprising stretchingthe first-end panel taut over an end of the cover.